ENS
\ˈɛnz], \ˈɛnz], \ˈɛ_n_z]\
Sort: Oldest first
-
A being. Paracelsus meant, by this term, the power exerted by certain beings on our body. He speaks of the Ens Dei, E. Astrolrum, E. naturale, E. virtuitis, E. morborum, E. de potentibus spiritibus, &c. These absurd denominations suggested to some of the ancient chymists a name for certain chymical preparations. The muriate of ammonia and iron was called Ens martis; the muriate of ammonia and copper, Ens venerie; and Ens primum was, with the alchymists, the name of a tincture which they considered possessed of the power of transmuting metals.
By Robley Dunglison